Mahama never promised to end galamsey in 120 days – Vanderpuye

Nii Lantey Vanderpuye is the National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP). He clarified that President John Dramani Mahama did not promise to end illegal mining, known as galamsey, in 120 days. Vanderpuye emphasized that no such timeline was mentioned by the President.

He spoke on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on May 8. He explained that while President Mahama is committed to ending galamsey, he did not give a specific timeframe. “It is not a fight that will end in 120 days,” he said.

Vanderpuye added, “President Mahama did not say anywhere that within 120 days he will end galamsey.” He noted that the resolution could take time, possibly today or even a year.

He urged the public to focus on the government's commitment rather than expecting quick results. “The effort being put into this fight should be supported by all of us,” he stated.

His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the government’s anti-galamsey campaign. There are also broader claims regarding the administration's achievements in its first 120 days.

To combat illegal mining, Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced plans to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462. This instrument currently allows mining in forest reserves.